Here Comes December!

With the beautiful and warm weather we had this week, it is hard to believe that December is upon us, but here it is!  We will be busy at the AoA over the next few weeks with lots of holiday cheer and fun in store.  Can't wait!  

Everyone seemed happy to be back with their friends after our Thanksgiving break.  We began the day with our dance warm up and then enjoyed hearing what everyone was up to during the off days.  It sounded like everyone enjoyed spending time with loved ones, and of course, eating a lot of turkey and fixings!

Tuesday was such a nice morning that we spent a little extra time outside.  We knew we would be sitting most of the afternoon at the theater.  Look at that sunshine!  Sam said it felt good to feel the warmth of it while he practiced his free throws.

In this picture you can see how we enjoy the space at JRES.  There is plenty of room to shoot hoops, toss footballs, or walk about and talk with friends.

Chris heard about the buzzer beating, half-court, winning basket made by a player on W&M's team last Saturday, so he decided to practice half-court shots!  He made a couple of them!

Bo even dressed for the warmer temps!

After lunch we headed to the theater to see Wonder.  This fun outing was made possible by the Kline Family and we thank them for their generous donation!   😍

We practically take up two rows now!  Everyone liked the film as evidenced by all staying awake and only one having to go to the bathroom in the middle! 🙋  😉

We hope your loved one took some time to tell you about the story behind this movie.  The book, which we spent the past couple of months reading, captured our attention thoroughly. 

We spent a couple of days comparing and contrasting the movie with the book.  On Wednesday, we had small group discussions.  Then, on Thursday, we shared all of the group points with the large group.  It was exciting to hear how detailed our guys were with their ideas.  They were attentive to both the book and the movie!  Like we always say, we love it when they're being smart!

Wednesday was French Toast Day and what fun it was to prepare our lunch using Liz's dad's "secret" ingredient...ice cream (instead of milk)!!  We could not wait to try it, and we weren't disappointed!

First, Laura and Sam got busy preparing some sausage.

Kacie and Liz mixed up the eggs and ice cream, and threw in a little cinnamon and vanilla for good measure!

They worked very efficiently to prepare almost 40 slices of French toast to feed their hungry friends!

Patrick dug in!  We also had bananas and orange juice.  What a tasty breakfast for lunch.  Thanks, Mr. Kline, for sharing your inspiration!

At Choice Time, Drew showed Becky how to play a favorite computer game. 

Kacie taught Pam how to crochet with her fingers!

Soon, Coach Teri and Sam's Nana (Nina to us!) arrived for our weekly Bocce Ball practice.  We got a little excited when Coach Teri mentioned that we would be having a tournament in a couple of weeks!

With the tournament coming, focus was important in today's practice.

Our ability to get the Bocce balls closer to the jack ball is improving.  You'll have to take our word for it, though.  The jacks are small and hard to spot in the dried grass!

Alexis measured the results of a close round.  We are serious!

All smiles as we pose with Coach Teri and Nina after practice!

If you look closely in these next couple of pics, you'll notice it's Bocce practice, but our friends are in different clothing.  That's because some of them wanted to practice the next day (and again on Friday!) when we went outside.  They said to tell Coach Teri that they want to do well in the tournament! 😉

One of our devoted volunteers, Pam W., filled in for Carol this week and we are so grateful.  She usually joins us on our Tuesday outings, so to have her "in the house" was an extra treat.  Thank you, Pam, for all the support and love this week!  Here, Pam keeps score for our Bocce practice players.

Thursday was Mason Jar Day so we learned about how these useful products came to be and how they revolutionized the preservation of food.  We also discussed that Mason jars are used today for many reasons, including decorative projects.  So we began a project that would turn our jars into lanterns!  

After getting a coat of sticky Modge Podge on the jar, Kevin applied tissue paper to cover the glass.

Laura and Josie chose lots of colors.

Sam decided to decorate his with a patriotic theme.

On Friday, they were dry and shiny, especially when we added the "flickering flame."  We sent them home without taking a picture, but they are very pretty!  

We had a visitor on Friday.  Lesa, a police office in James City County, is also taking classes to become certified in teaching special education.  Lesa has been volunteering for The Arc, and when Bette Faye found out she needed some observation hours, she sent her our way.  We put her right to work and she was a big help.  Here, she works with Pam to help Cameron and Kate make their lanterns, and also with Kacie to make some extra ones that we will give to our school friends as gifts.

Turns out Lesa is also a pretty good shot!  Hopefully, hanging out with our gang gave her insight into working with a unique and sweet population.  We told her she's welcome to join us any time!

We were surprised when our Arc board member, Devin, stopped by to deliver us a beautiful poinsettia!  Cameron unveiled it for us.  Devin, if you're reading, we're sorry we didn't get both halves of you in this only photo we took...but THANK YOU so much for the poinsettia.  We have begun our holiday decorating and this will be a gorgeous touch!

Speaking of holiday decorating, we are once again going to make a Christmas tree out of paper chains.  We began making the chains today, and we'll put a picture of the finished tree in next week's update.

Kevin and Kacie went to the Ferguson Center on Thursday night to see The Irish Tenors.  They told us about what a great performance it was, and how they got to sit beside the president of CNU in a box seat AND how he invited them to his private reception during intermission!  Kacie said she felt like "royalty!"  

We played Kevin's favorite song by The Irish Tenors, "Will Ye Go Lassie Go," and check this out...he sang along.  So beautiful!

What a great ending to our week!

Before getting into next week's information, we wish to thank an anonymous donor who made a generous contribution to our field trip fund.  The AoA continues to be supported in many ways by our families and friends, and we are very, very thankful.  As the end of 2017 quickly approaches, and we look toward our 2nd anniversary in March, 2018, we recognize that it takes a village...and we have the very best one!  

Here's what's up for next week:

Tuesday:  It's bowling and pizza for lunch today, so wear your Arc shirts!  Thanks to "Nina," our friend (and Sam's Nana), for sponsoring our pizza today.  We appreciate that very much!  🍕  When we return to the AFCC we will also celebrate Dice Day (which was on December 4th) by playing with some unique dice that Coach Teri gave us...

Wednesday: Carol is back!  Her birthday was on December 3rd so we will celebrate her today!!  We're making Chicken Strips and Salad for lunch, and of course, a birthday treat!

Thursday: We'll study history as we discuss Pearl Harbor Day.  After lunch, we visit Christina at the CW Art Museums! Please wear Arc shirts. Lunch on your own.

Friday:  We will put some finishing touches on our holiday decorations and begin planning for our "office" party to be held on the 20th. 🎄 Lunch on your own.

Hope everyone enjoys a nice weekend,

Lisa, Carol, and Nan